The biggest summer trend this year is prints in florals, abstracts and geometrics. The most fascinating, however, is African prints. Inspired by Kente cloths, bark cloths, mud cloths and Kitenge cloths of the African Diaspora, these fair trade textiles are being used by designers like Stella Jean. They’re a staple for brands like Boxing Kitten, and have been worn by a bunch of celeb trend setters like Beyoncé, Solange, Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani and Rihanna. The cool thing about this trend is that while it may be very ethnic, the cuts and silhouettes are super modern and very accessible. The moral of this story is that you don’t have to be exotic or have an African cultural background to respect and rock this trend.
Here are a few rules to ease you into this really cool summer trend:
- 1. Add A Neutral – Wearing a bold African inspired print doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Find a simple tank or blouse and add a neutral bottom like a black skirt for a cool night out or white shorts for a day at the beach. If you’re not comfortable with so much print near your face, try a printed short or skirt and wear the neutral top.
- 2. Simplify The Accessories – This trend is the easiest to wear in a dress. That being said, with a neck to knee print, it’s a good idea to keep your accessories to a minimum. Just a few to pull the dress into a well-rounded outfit will do. And keeping them in neutral tones is the best way to ground all of that print. A thin neutral belt at your natural waist will break up the pattern. A neutral, strappy shoe near your skin tone will elongate the leg line and keep it open. Keep your jewelry minimal and in a classic metallic tone that compliments the colors in the design.
- 3. Be Bold and Mix Prints – If you’re not afraid of prints and patterns, try mixing a modern print with your African inspired one. Here, I chose a black & white striped cropped top to mix with a cool African print trouser. The trick is to use the same color story. The pants have a cerulean and neon yellow pattern that also has a minor striped under pattern. The striped top actually acts as your neutral. Cool neon yellow stiletto sandals and simple black accessories make this outfit chic and architectural without being unapproachable.
I love this trend, so give it a try and of course have fun with it! -Xo, MicahSarai
